Removing Dried Hair Spray But Saving Paint

HINTS FROM HELOISE Syndicated Columnist

Dear Heloise: Do you or your readers have a hint for removing hair spray from a white painted door? I have used alcohol and fingernail-polish remover. Nothing worked. -- S. Shuppert, Fairfield, Ohio

Dear S. Shuppert: Wow, you pulled out the strong stuff! Nail-polish remover can take some paints off, so please be careful.

Try this remedy: Mix equal parts of baking soda and white (non-gel) toothpaste together. Then slightly dampen a clean, white cotton cloth with water and dip it in the paste. Test a hidden area first to be sure it doesn't damage the surface.

Apply the mixture in a gentle circular motion, working on one small area at a time. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. -- Heloise

Dear Heloise: Here is a quick, easy and sparkling way to clean outside windows.

Mix 1 cup ammonia or vinegar with a half-bucket of hot water. Using a car-window sponge on a handle, wash the window and before they dry, hose down with water, starting at the top. Your windows will look great. -- B.L. Mcgee, Friedens, Pa.

Dear Heloise: I am thankful my mother saved all the letters I wrote to her during the years because I now have a complete diary to give our children of all the cute sayings and important family happenings that occurred as they grew up.

I'm also printing all the e-mail messages our daughter-in-law sends about our grandbaby so she, too, can have a detailed diary of her growth. -- Marge Henderson, Friendswood, Texas

Dear Heloise: When I receive small packs of coupons and ads and can't use them, I staple several together and use them as shopping lists or for scrap paper. -- Ellie Gavegan, Long Valley, N.J.

Dear Heloise: Some time ago, one of your readers explained how she cleaned her garden umbrella in the swimming pool. Because of the chlorine in the water, it came out beautifully clean.

Lacking a pool, I filled a large plastic garbage container with some detergent and a little bleach. I then half-submerged the umbrella. With a brush, and with a helper, I scrubbed the umbrella down. It is now clean and fresh for the summer. -- V.C.A., Kingston, Ontario, Canada